Struggling Brazil edge past Saudi Arabia 2-0 in an international friendly

Brazil stuttered and struggled against a weak Saudi Arabia side in Riyadh before eventually beating them 2-0 on Friday. Gabriel Jesus and Alex Sandro were the two goal-scorers for Tite’s men as they gear up for their match against South American rivals Argentina on Tuesday, who beat Iraq 4-0 a day ago.

Starting the match with the likes of Neymar, Coutinho and Casemiro, Brazil were expected to call the shots in the match and dominate against their least-favoured opponents.
Instead, they almost found themselves a goal behind after the six-minute mark.

Also read: UEFA Nations League: England, Croatia play out dull draw behind closed doors

But eventually, it was Brazil, who scored the opener through Jesus scored in the 43rd minute. The Manchester City forward who didn’t play Brazi’s friendlies against the United States and El Salvador saw his effort blocked by Saudi custodian Mohammed Al Owais before an assist from Neymar saw him break the deadlock.

A thumping header by Alex Sandro in the sixth minute of injury time doubled the lead for Neymar and co. Saudi Arabia problems intensified with their keeper being sent-off for handling the ball outside the penalty area, with 10 minutes left.

Brazil next lock horns with Argentina, that romped to a 4-0 win over Iraq on Thursday without the presence of their talismanic skipper Lionel Messi.

Image credit- Sky Sports